Thyroliberin stimulates rapid hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate by a phosphodiesterase in rat mammotropic pituitary cells. Evidence for an early Ca2+-independent action

The correlation between multidomain enzymes and multiple activation mechanisms--the case of phospholipase Cβ and its membrane interactions

Phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2) is a large, multidomain enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the signaling lipid phosphoinositol 4,5 bisphosphate (PIP2) to promote mitogenic and proliferative changes in the cell. PLCβ2 is activated by Gα and Gβγ subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins, as well as small G proteins and specific peptides. Activation depends on the nature of the membrane surface. Recent crystal structures suggest one model of activation involving the movement of a small autoinhibitory loop upon membrane binding of the enzyme. Additionally, solution studies indicate multiple levels of activation that involve changes in the membrane orientation as well as interdomain movement. Here, we review the wealth of biochemical studies of PLCβ2-G protein activation and propose a comprehensive model that accounts for both the crystallographic and solution results.

Trypsin and thrombin accelerate aggregation of human endocrine pancreas precursor cells

Human islet-derived precursor cells (hIPCs) and human pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PANC-1) cells can be induced to form aggregates that subsequently differentiate into hormone-expressing islet-like cell aggregates (ICAs). We show that challenge of hIPCs or PANC-1 cells with thrombin or trypsin resulted in stimulation of signaling via the inositol-tris-phosphate second messenger pathway leading to rapid, transient increases in cytosolic calcium ion concentration in the majority of the cells. Because we found that hIPCs, PANC-1 cells, human fetal pancreas, and human adult islets express two protease-activated receptors (PARs), PAR-1 and PAR-2, we tested whether the effects of thrombin and trypsin were mediated, at least in part, by these receptors. Peptide agonists that are relatively specific for PAR-1 (SFLLRN-amide) or PAR-2 (SLIGRL-amide) stimulated increases in inositol phosphates and cytosolic calcium ion concentration, and increased the phosphorylation of Rho, a small G-protein associated with cytoskeletal changes affecting cellular morphology and migration. Most importantly, we show that these agonists increased the rate of hIPC aggregation leading to the formation of more viable, smaller ICAs. Our data show that thrombin and trypsin accelerate aggregation, an early stage of hIPC differentiation in vitro, and imply that pancreatic trypsin and thrombin may be involved in islet development in vivo.

Modulation of rat erg1, erg2, erg3 and HERG K+ currents by thyrotropin-releasing hormone in anterior pituitary cells via the native signal cascade

The mechanism of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced ether-a-go-go-related gene (erg) K+ current modulation was investigated with the perforated-patch whole-cell technique in clonal somatomammotroph GH3/B6 cells. These cells express a small endogenous erg current known to be reduced by TRH. GH3/B6 cells were injected with cDNA coding for rat erg1, erg2, erg3 and HERG K+ channels. The corresponding erg currents were isolated with the help of the specific erg channel blockers E-4031 and dofetilide and their biophysical properties were determined. TRH (1 M) was able to significantly reduce the different erg currents. The voltage dependence of activation was shifted by 15 mV (erg1), 10 mV (erg2) and 6 mV (erg3) to more positive potentials without strongly affecting erg inactivation. TRH reduced the maximal available erg current amplitude by 12% (erg1), 13% (erg2) and 39% (erg3) and accelerated the time course of erg1 and erg2 channel deactivation, whereas erg3 deactivation kinetics were not significantly altered. The effects of TRH on HERG currents did not differ from those on its rat homologue erg1. In addition, coinjection of rat MiRP1 with HERG cDNA did not influence the TRH-induced modulation of HERG channels. Rat erg1 currents recorded in the cell-attached configuration were reduced by application of TRH to the extra-patch membrane in the majority of the experiments, confirming the involvement of a diffusible second messenger. Application of the phorbol ester phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; 1 M) shifted the voltage dependence of erg1 activation in the depolarizing direction, but it did not reduce the maximal current amplitude. The voltage shift could not be explained by a selective effect on protein kinase C (PKC) since the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide I did not block the effects of TRH and PMA on erg1. In addition, cholecystokinin, known to activate the phosphoinositol pathway similarly to TRH, did not significantly affect the erg1 current. Various agents interfering with different known TRH-elicited cellular responses were not able to completely mimic or inhibit the TRH effects on erg1. Tested substances included modulators of the cAMP-protein kinase A pathway, arachidonic acid, inhibitors of tyrosine kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase, sodium nitroprusside and cytochalasin D. The results demonstrate that all three members of the erg channel subfamily are modulated by TRH in GH3/B6 cells. In agreement with previous studies on the TRH-induced modulation of the endogenous erg current in prolactin-secreting anterior pituitary cells, the TRH effects on overexpressed erg1 channels are not mediated by any of the tested signalling pathways.

Expression analysis of the thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) in the immune system using agonist anti-TRHR monoclonal antibodies

Monoclonal anti-rat thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) receptor (TRHR)-specific antibodies (mAb) were generated by immunization with synthetic peptides of rat TRHR partial amino acid sequences; one (TRHR01) was directed against a sequence (84-98) in the extracellular portion of the rat TRHR reported to be constant among different species, including man, and the second (TRHR02) recognizes the C-terminal region sequence 399-412. In lysates from GH4C1 cells, a clonal rat pituitary cell line, both mAb recognize the TRHR in Western blot analysis, and TRHR02 immunoprecipitates the TRHR. Incubation of GH4C1 cells with the mAb causes a fluorescence shift in fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. The cells were stained specifically by both mAb using immunocytochemical techniques. Furthermore, TRHR01 is agonistic in its ability to trigger Ca2+ flux, and desensitizes the TRH receptor. We tested for TRHR in several rat organs and found expression in lymphoid tissues. TRHR01 recognizes the human TRHR, and analysis of human peripheral blood lymphocyte and tonsil-derived leukocyte populations showed receptor expression in non-activated and phytohemagglutinin-activated T and B cells.

Sphingosine inhibits voltage-operated calcium channels in GH4C1 cells

In the present study we investigated the mechanism of inhibitory action of sphingosine (SP) on voltage-activated calcium channels (VOCCs) in pituitary GH4C1 cells. Using the patch-clamp technique in the whole-cell mode, we show that SP inhibits Ba2+ currents (IBa) when 0.1 mM BAPTA is included in the patch pipette. However, when the BAPTA concentration was raised to 1-10 mM, SP was without a significant effect. The effect of SP was apparently not mediated via a kinase, as it was not inhibited by staurosporine. By using the double-pulse protocol (to release possible functional inhibition of the VOCCs by G proteins), we observed that G proteins apparently evoked very little functional inhibition of the VOCCs. Furthermore, including GDPbetaS (guanyl-5'-yl thiophosphate) in the patch pipette did not alter the inhibitory effect of SP on the Ba2+ current, suggesting that SP did not modulate the VOCCs via a G protein-dependent pathway. Single-channel experiments with SP in the pipette, and experiments with excised outside-out patches, suggested that SP directly inhibited VOCCs. The main mechanism of action was a dose-dependent prolongation of the closed time of the channels. The results thus show that SP is a potent inhibitor of VOCCs in GH4C1 cells, and that calcium may be a cofactor in this inhibition.

Desensitization of thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor-mediated responses involves multiple steps

Desensitization and recovery of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) responses to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) were measured in HEK293 cells stably expressing the G protein-coupled TRH receptor. TRH caused a large, rapid, and transient increase in IP3 and a biphasic increase in [Ca2+]i. Desensitization of the TRH response was measured by exposing cells to TRH, washing, and then incubating the cells in hormone-free medium before reintroducing TRH and measuring IP3, [Ca2+]i, and intracellular Ca2+ pool size. When cells were incubated with 1 microM TRH for 10 s or 10 min and reexposed to TRH, there was almost no IP3 or [Ca2+]i increase. The IP3 response recovered first, followed by the [Ca2+]i response. The ionomycin-releasable intracellular Ca2+ pool was almost completely depleted by TRH, and pool refilling was slow. Thrombin, endothelin, and carbachol, when combined, stimulated large increases in IP3 and [Ca2+]i, but did not block the IP3 or [Ca2+]i responses to TRH measured 10 min later. In contrast, cells exposed to TRH first responded to combined agonists with a nearly normal increase in IP3, but no rise in [Ca2+]i. Thus, the IP3 response to TRH displays homologous desensitization, whereas the [Ca2+]i response displays heterologous desensitization because depletion of intracellular Ca2+ pools prevents responses to other hormones.

The effect of extracellular polyvalent cations on bovine anterior pituitary cells. Evidence for a Ca(2+)-sensing receptor coupled to release of intracellular calcium stores

We have investigated the effects of extracellular cations ([ION]ex) on cytosolic free calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) in bovine anterior pituitary (bAP) cells, using single-cell microfluorimetry. Increasing the [Ca2+]ex from 1 mM to 20 mM caused [Ca2+]i to increase in 64 +/- 14% of bAP cells. The [Ca2+]ex-induced [Ca2+]i increase was observed when cells were maintained in the presence of the voltage-gated-calcium-channel antagonist nitrendipine, but not when cells were treated with thapsigargin. Addition of [La3+]ex (5-15 microM) decreased [Ca2+]i, whereas 30 microM-1 mM caused a [Ca2+]i rise in 60.9 +/- 8.8% of bAP cells. [La3+]ex-induced [Ca2+]i changes were abolished by treating bAP-cells with either thapsigargin or ionomycin, but not nitrendipine. [La3+]ex at 15 microM did not increase [Ca2+]i in any cells tested, but when cells were treated with thimerosal, [La3+]ex (15 microM) caused a [Ca2+]i increase in 62.5 +/- 12.2% of bAP cells. In the presence of 1 mM [Ca2+]ex, successive additions of La3+ caused successive [Ca2+]i rises, but in nominally [Ca2+]ex-free medium only the first addition of [La3+]ex caused a [Ca2+]i rise. Addition of thyroliberin (TRH) in the presence of 1 mM [Ca2+]ex, caused [Ca2+]i to increase in 70% of bAP cells; subsequent addition of [La3+]ex (1 mM) only caused [Ca2+]i increases in 75% of those cells which had already responded to TRH. However, all cells which responded to 1 mM [La3+]ex also responded subsequently to TRH. After treatment with TRH in medium that was nominally [Ca2+]ex free, addition of La3+ (0.5-1 mM) did not increase [Ca2+]i in any cells tested. The number of cells which showed [La3+]ex-induced [Ca2+]i increases decreased in culture: only 21.75 +/- 2.2% cells responded after 7-11 days. When cells were cultured for 7-11 days in the presence of tunicamycin, [La3+]ex failed to increase [Ca2+]i in any cells tested. [Mn2+]ex rapidly quenched the Fura-2 signal measured from all bAP cells, but at 10 mM it also triggered a [Ca2+]i rise in about 60% of bAP cells. The Mn(2+)-induced [Ca2+]i rise was specifically abolished in cells cultured in the presence of tunicamycin although quenching was still observed. From these data we suggest that bAP cells may express a polyvalent cation receptor coupled to the release of calcium from intracellular stores.

Influence of Hepes- and CO2/HCO(3-)-buffer on Ca2+ transients induced by TRH and elevated K+ in rat pituitary GH4C1 cells

The influence of two buffer systems (Hepes and CO2/HCO3-) on intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) transients evoked by TRH and by elevated K+ were studied in single, and small clusters of, clonal rat pituitary GH4C1 cells using Fura 2. The steady-state level of [Ca2+]i was virtually identical in Hepes and CO2/HCO3-. In both buffers, addition of TRH induced a transient increase in [Ca2+]i which attained a significantly higher peak in Hepes (357 +/- 43 nM) when compared with values measured in the presence of CO2/HCO3- (184 +/- 21 nM). In Hepes, the basal IP3-level was higher than in CO2/HCO3-. The TRH-evoked increase in IP3 was higher in magnitude in Hepes than in CO2/HCO3-, although the stimulated/basal ratio was not different between the two buffers. The buffer composition had no effect on the specific binding of 3H-TRH to the cells. Furthermore, the amplitude of the increase in [Ca2+]i evoked by 50 mM K+ was identical in both buffers. TRH and K+ had no effect on pHi in either buffer. The present results indicate that HCO3- has an influence on TRH-induced Ca2+ transient, at least in part by modifying the TRH-evoked production of IP3.

C-type natriuretic peptide stimulates secretion of growth hormone from rat-pituitary-derived GH3 cells via a cyclic-GMP-mediated pathway

Although C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) has been shown to exist at the highest concentration in the anterior pituitary in rat tissues, its physiological role(s) there is (are) not clear. In this study, we report a novel function of CNP examined with anterior pituitary-derived cell lines, GH3 and AtT20/D16v-F2. Both CNP and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) increased cellular cGMP levels in both cell lines in dose-dependent manners. CNP, but not ANP, stimulated growth hormone (GH) release from GH3 cells. In contrast, neither ANP nor CNP had any significant effect on the corticotropin release from AtT20/D16v-F2 cells. An activator for cGMP-dependent protein kinase (cGK), dibutyryl cGMP, mimicked the stimulation of GH release from GH3 cells by CNP. Constitutive GH release from GH3 cells was greatly diminished in the presence of inhibitors for cAMP-dependent protein kinase, while stimulative GH release by CNP was not affected. However, inhibitors which can block cGK almost completely diminished the stimulative effect of CNP. An inhibitor for protein kinase C did not show any effect on either constitutive or CNP-stimulative GH release. Our observations indicate that the stimulation of GH release from GH3 cells by CNP is mediated mainly by the cGK signal-transduction pathway, not by cAMP-dependent protein kinase or protein kinase C, through a CNP-specific receptor (possibly ANP-B receptor). Thus, CNP may act as a local modulator in the anterior pituitary.

Roles of second-messenger systems and neuronal activity in the regulation of lordosis by neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and estrogen: a review

Many neurotransmitters and neuropeptides can affect the rodent feminine sexual behavior, lordosis, when administered in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), midbrain central gray (MCG), or other brain regions. A survey of the electrophysiological and biochemical actions of these neural agents revealed that there is a very consistent association between lordosis facilitation with both the activation of the phosphoinositide (PI) pathway and the excitation of VMH and MCG neurons. In contrast, lordosis inhibition is associated, less consistently, with alterations of the adenylate cyclase (AC) system and the inhibition of neuronal activity. The findings that lordosis could be facilitated by going beyond membrane receptors and directly activating the PI pathway, suggest that this second-messenger pathway is a common mediator for the lordosis-facilitating agents. Furthermore, as in the case of stimulating membrane receptors, direct activation of this common mediator also requires estrogen priming for lordosis facilitation. Therefore, it is likely that the PI pathway is modulated by estrogen in the permissive action of estrogen priming. Indeed, a literature review shows that estrogen can affect selective isozymes of key enzyme families of the PI pathway at various levels. Such selective modulations, at several levels, could easily alter the course of a PI cascade; thence, the eventual functional outcome. These findings prompt us to propose that estrogen enables lordosis to be facilitated by a selective modulation of the PI pathway.

Increase in inositol tris-, pentakis- and hexakisphosphates by high K+ stimulation in cultured rat cerebellar granule cells

Effects of high K+ stimulation on inositol polyphosphate accumulations and intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were investigated in cultured rat cerebellar granule cells. When the [3H]inositol-labelled cells were stimulated with KCl, concentration-dependent accumulations of [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3, [3H]InsP5 and [3H]InsP6 were observed. Nifedipine (3 microM), a calcium channel antagonist, inhibited the high (KCl, 90 mM) K(+)-induced accumulations of these inositol polyphosphates. In Ca(2+)-depleted and EGTA-containing (0.1 mM) medium, the high K(+)-induced inositol polyphosphate accumulation were completely inhibited. Similar results were also observed in the case of [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that the rise in [Ca2+]i caused by activation of voltage-dependent calcium channels plays an important roles in the high K(+)-induced accumulation of [3H]Ins(1,4,5)P3, [3H]InsP5 and [3H]InsP6 in cultured rat cerebellar granule cells.

Intracellular free sodium concentrations in GH4C1 cells

In the present investigation, intracellular sodium ([Na+]i) levels were determined in GH4C1 cells using the fluorescent probe SBFI. Fluorescence was determined by excitation at 340 nm and 385 nm, and emission was measured at 500 nm. Intracellular free sodium ([Na+]i) was determined by comparing the ratio 340/385 to a calibration curve. The ratio was linear between 10 and 60 mM Na+. Resting [Na+]i in GH4C1 cells was 26 +/- 6.2 mM (mean +/- SD). In cells incubated in Na(+)-free buffer [Na+]i decreased to 3 +/- 3.6 mM. If Na+/K+ ATPase was inhibited by incubating the cells with 1 mM ouabain, [Na+]i increased to 47 +/- 12.8 mM in 15 min. Stimulating the cells with TRH, phorbol myristyl acetate, or thapsigargin had no effect on [Na+]i. Incubating the cells in Ca(2+)-free buffer rapidly increased [Na+]i. The increase was not inhibited by tetrodotoxin. Addition of extracellular Ca2+, nimodipine, or Ni2+ to these cells immediately decreased [Na+]i, whereas Bay K 8644 enhanced the influx of Na+. In cells where [Na+]i was increased the TRH-induced increase in intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) was decreased compared with control cells. Our results suggest that Na+ enters the cells via Ca2+ channels, and [Na+]i may attenuate TRH-induced changes in [Ca2+]i in GH4C1 cells.

Altered diacylglycerol level and metabolism in neutrophils from patients with localized juvenile periodontitis

Diacylglycerol, a physiological activator of protein kinase C, was elevated nearly twofold in unstimulated peripheral blood neutrophils from patients with localized juvenile periodontitis compared with cells from normal individuals. These cells also showed an enhanced and prolonged elevation of diglyceride in response to N-formylmethionylleucylphenylalanine. The metabolism of a cell-permeant diacylglycerol by diglyceride kinase was significantly decreased, because of a fivefold or higher elevation in the apparent Km of cellular diglyceride kinase.

Thyroid hormones regulate the formation of inositol phosphate in response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone in rat anterior pituitaries

The effects of thyroid hormones on TSH secretion and inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in rat anterior pituitaries were examined. Experimental hypothyroidism caused a significant increase in [3H]inositol phosphate ([3H]IP) formation in response to TRH in rat anterior pituitaries with a concomitant elevation of blood TSH. In contrast, administration of thyroxine (T4) to hypothyroid rats resulted in a complete restoration of blood TSH and TRH-stimulated [3H]IP formation to the euthyroid control value. Furthermore, in vitro pre-treatment of anterior pituitaries with triiodothyronine (T3) produced a dose-dependent decrease in both TSH secretion and the formation of [3H]IP in response to TRH. These results indicate that thyroid hormones regulate TRH receptor-linked inositol phospholipid hydrolysis in the rat anterior pituitary, suggesting that negative feedback action of thyroid hormone occurs at post receptor event in the rat anterior pituitary, which may, to a certain extent, be responsible for the underlying mechanism of T3 inhibition of TSH secretion.

PMA-sensitive protein kinase C is not necessary in TRH-stimulated prolactin release from female rat primary pituitary cells

In GH3 cells and other clonal rat pituitary tumor cells, TRH has been shown to mediate its effects on prolactin release via a rise of cytosolic Ca2+ and activation of protein kinase C. In this study, we examined the role of protein kinase C in TRH-stimulated prolactin release from female rat primary pituitary cell culture. Both TRH and PMA stimulated prolactin release in a dose-dependent manner. When present together at maximal concentrations, TRH and PMA produced an effect which was slightly less than additive. Pretreatment of rat pituitary cells with 10(-6) M PMA for 24 hrs completely down-regulated protein kinase C, since such PMA-pretreated cells did not release prolactin in response to a second dose of PMA. Interestingly, protein kinase C down-regulation had no effect on TRH-induced prolactin release from rat pituitary cells. In contrast, PMA-pretreated GH3 cells did not respond to a subsequent stimulation by either PMA or TRH. Pretreatment of rat pituitary cells with TRH (10(-7) M, 24 hrs) inhibited the subsequent response to TRH, but not PMA. Forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, stimulated prolactin release by itself and in a synergistic manner when incubated together with TRH or PMA. The synergistic effects of forskolin on prolactin release was greater in the presence of PMA than TRH. Down-regulation of protein kinase C by PMA pretreatment abolished the synergistic effect produced by PMA and forskolin but had no effect on those generated by TRH and forskolin. sn-1,2-Dioctanylglycerol (DOG) pretreatment attenuated the subsequent response to DOG and PMA but not TRH. The effect of TRH, but not PMA, on prolactin release required the presence of extracellular Ca2+. In conclusion, the mechanism by which TRH causes prolactin release from rat primary pituitary cells is different from that of GH3 cells; the former is a protein kinase C-independent process whereas the latter is at least partially dependent upon the activation of protein kinase C.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone induces opposite effects on Ca2+ channel currents in pituitary cells by two pathways

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulates pituitary secretion by steps involving a cytosolic Ca2+ rise. We examined various pathways of Ca2+ elevation in pituitary GH3 cells. By using the patch clamp technique in the whole-cell configuration and Ba2+ as divalent charge carrier through Ca2+ channels, TRH (1 microM) reversibly reduced the current by about 55%. This hormonal effect was prevented by infusing guanine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (GDP[beta S]) intracellularly but not by pretreating the cell with pertussis toxin (PT). Since PT-insensitive guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory (G) proteins are known to mediate a hormone-stimulated inositol trisphosphate-mediated Ca2+ release from intracellular stores, we assume that the inhibitory effect of TRH on Ba2+ currents through Ca2+ channels is caused by the increased intracellular Ca2+. To prevent a Ca(2+)-release-dependent inhibition of Ca2+ channels, we preincubated GH3 cells in a medium free of divalent charge carriers and measured the Na+ current through Ca2+ channels. When fura-2 was used as indicator for the cytosolic Ca2+, TRH induced a release from intracellular stores only once and had no effect on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration during further applications. In line with this observation, TRH initially reduced the Na+ current through Ca2+ channels but stimulated it during subsequent applications. The stimulation was sensitive to GDP[beta S] and was abolished by pretreatment with PT, suggesting that the stimulatory action of TRH is mediated by a G protein different from the one that functionally couples the receptor to phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis. In conclusion, the present data suggest that TRH increases the intracellular Ca2+ concentration by two interacting pathways, that release from intracellular stores causes a secondary blockage of Ca2+ channels, and that, especially with empty intracellular Ca2+ stores, Ca2+ channels are stimulated by a PT-sensitive G protein.

Evidence for TRH-induced influx of extracellular Ca2+ in pituitary GH4C1 cells

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-induced changes in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), and influx of extracellular Ca2+ in Fura 2 loaded pituitary GH4C1 cells. Stimulating the cells with TRH in a Ca(2+)-containing buffer induced a biphasic change in [Ca2+]i. First, a transient increase in [Ca2+]i, followed by a sustained phase. In cells stimulated with TRH in a Ca(2+)-free buffer, the transient increase in [Ca(2+)]i was decreased (p less than 0.05), and the sustained phase was totally abolished. Addition of Ni2+ prior to TRH blunted the component of the TRH-induced transient increase in [Ca2+]i dependent on influx of Ca2+. In the presence of extracellular Mn2+, TRH stimulated quenching of Fura 2 fluorescence. This quenching was blocked by Ni2+. The results indicate that both the TRH-induced transient increase in [Ca2+]i as well as the sustained phase in [Ca2+]i in GH4C1 cells is dependent on influx of extracellular Ca2+.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced cytosolic calcium transients: characterisation of store refilling in bovine anterior pituitary cells

The intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in individual bovine anterior pituitary cells was measured using fura-2 and ratiometric imaging. Addition of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the presence of external calcium ion ([Ca2+]e; 1 mM) caused a rapid transient increase in [Ca2+]i falling to a plateau which remained above pre-stimulation levels in the continued presence of TRH. Decreasing [Ca2+]e to 0.1 microM decreased [Ca2+]i. At 0.1 microM [Ca2+]e, the first TRH addition caused the rapid transient rise in [Ca2+]i but no plateau phase and a second addition of TRH did not cause a second transient rise. However, the second application of TRH in 0.1 microM [Ca2+]e caused a rise in [Ca2+]i if it was preceded by transient exposure of the cells to 2 mM [Ca2+]e. The presence of nitrendipine, 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (tBHQ), or TRH during the re-exposure to external calcium blocked this recovery of subsequent responses to TRH in the presence of only 0.1 microM [Ca2+]e. We conclude that refilling of the calcium stores depleted by TRH occurred only after the removal of agonist, used a tBHQ-sensitive uptake mechanism, and was mainly sustained by voltage-gated calcium entry into the cells.

Calcium promotes the accumulation of polyphosphoinositides in intact and permeabilized bovine adrenal chromaffin cells

1. Because cellular pools of phosphatidylinositol phosphate and phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate turn over rapidly during phospholipase C stimulation, the continuing production of inositol phosphates requires continuing synthesis from phosphatidylinositol of the polyphosphoinositides. In the present study in adrenal chromaffin cells, we examined the effects of nicotinic stimulation and depolarization in intact cells and micromolar Ca2+ in permeabilized cells on the levels of labeled polyphosphoinositides. We compared the effects to muscarinic stimulation in intact cells and GTP gamma S in permeabilized cells. 2. Nicotinic stimulation, elevated K+, and muscarinic stimulation cause similar production of inositol phosphates (D. A. Eberhard and R. W. Holz, J. Neurochem. 49:1634-1643, 1987). Nicotinic stimulation and elevated K+ but not muscarinic stimulation increased the levels of [3H]inositol-labeled phosphatidylinositol phosphate by 30-60% and [3H]phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate by 25-30%. The increase required Ca2+ in the medium, was maximal by 1-2 min, and was not preceded by an initial decrease in phosphatidylinositol phosphate and phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate. 3. In digitonin-permeabilized cells, Ca2+ caused as much as a twofold increase in [3H]phosphatidylinositol phosphate and [3H]phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate. Similarly, Ca2+ enhanced the production of [32P]phosphatidylinositol phosphate and [32P]phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP. In contrast, GTP gamma S in permeabilized cells decreased polyphosphoinositides in the presence or absence of Ca2+. 4. The ability of Ca2+ to increase the levels of the polyphosphoinositides decayed with time after permeabilization. The effect of Ca2+ was increased when phosphoesterase and phospholipase C activities were inhibited by neomycin. 5. These observations suggest that Ca2+ specifically enhances polyphosphoinositide synthesis at the same time that it activates phospholipase C.

Thyrotrophin-Releasing Hormone Raises Cytosolic Free Calcium Concentration in Human Adenomatous Somatotrophs and Corticotrophs; Comparison with in vivo Responsiveness to Thyrotrophin-Releasing Hormone in Patients with Acromegaly or Cushing's Disease

Abstract The effect of thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) on intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration, [Ca(2+))i, was investigated with the fluorescent dye fura-2 in cell suspensions obtained from 13 human growth hormone-secreting adenomas and 6 adrenocorticotrophin-secreting adenomas. Preoperatively, 9 out of 13 acromegalic patients showed a positive growth hormone response to TRH administration while none of the 6 patients with Cushing's disease had a plasma adrenocorticotrophin increase after TRH injection. In all the growth hormone-secreting adenomas the addition of TRH (100 nM) caused a significant rise in [Ca(2+)]i (from a resting level of 133+/-40 (+/-SD) to a value of 284+/-119 nM at 100 nM TRH, n = 42; P<0.001). The transient induced by TRH was found to have a dual origin, one due to Ca(2+) mobilization from intracellular stores which was maintained in presence of EGTA (3mM) and verapamil (10 muM) and a plateau phase due to Ca(2+) influx from the extracellular media. Somatostatin (0.1 muM) lowered both resting [Ca(2+)]i and TRH-induced transients. The effect of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone on [Ca(2+)]i was evaluated on cell suspensions obtained from 6 growth hormone-secreting adenomas. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (100 nM) caused a marked rise in [Ca(2+)]i (from 179+/-25 to 283+/-15nM) on the cell suspension obtained from the only in vivo responsive adenoma while it was ineffective in the remaining 5. Although TRH was ineffective in modifying plasma adrenocorticotrophin levels in all patients with Cushing's disease, in 5 out of 6 tumors the addition of 100 nM TRH caused a significant rise in [Ca(2+)]i (from 102.5 +/- 36 to 163+/-66 nM, n = 22; P < 0.005). However, the effect of TRH on [Ca(2+)]i was significantly lower than that caused by arginine vasopressin, a physiological stimulator of adrenocorticotrophin release ([Ca(2+)]i values; 145+/-78 nM at 100 nM TRH versus 300+/-140 at 10 nM arginine vasopressin, n = 15; P<0.05). Moreover, the effect of arginine vasopressin on [Ca(2+)]i was detectable at concentrations as low as 0.1 nM while TRH was effective at concentrations higher than 1 nM. By contrast, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone was ineffective in increasing [Ca(2)]i in all the adrenocorticotrophin-secreting adenomas studied. Collectively, these data indicate that sensitivity to TRH is present in almost all the growth hormone- and adrenocorticotrophin-secreting adenomas independently of the responsiveness of the individual patients to the peptide.

Rat growth hormone-releasing factor stimulates cyclic GMP formation and phosphatidylinositol metabolism in the median eminence

The effects of rat growth hormone releasing factor (rGRF) on somatostatin (SRIF) secretion, cyclic nucleotide production and phosphatidylinositol metabolism were investigated in the median eminence (ME), using an in vitro system. Medium was discarded and replaced by medium containing various concentrations of rGRF or rGRF plus epinephrine (E, 6 x 10(-7) M). rGRF had no effect on basal or E-stimulated release of cAMP. In the same experiments rGRF markedly stimulated SRIF release. These results suggested that cAMP is not involved in the stimulatory effect of GRF on SRIF release. However, GRF significantly stimulated release of both SRIF and cGMP in a dose-related manner. Maximal stimulation was observed at 10(-10) M GRF (p less than 0.005) which also produces maximal SRIF release. 2'0-monobutyrylguanosine 3'5' cyclic phosphate (mbcGMP, 10(-11) to 10(-10) M) stimulated SRIF release from ME fragments (p less than 0.001 at 10(-10) M) whereas the control, sodium butyrate (10(-6) M), had no effect. GRF caused significant elevation of 30.6% in the concentration of labelled inositol phosphates [( 3H]-IPs) in the ME. These data indicate that GRF stimulation of SRIF release is accompanied by increased cGMP production and phosphatidyl-inositol (PI) metabolism but does not alter cAMP production. Because mbcGMP can directly stimulate SRIF release, we suggest that GRF causes a receptor-mediated increase in the metabolism of phosphatidylinositol and cGMP formation. These actions therefore may be among the early metabolic events in the mechanism of GRF-stimulated SRIF release from the ME.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor occupancy determines the fraction of the responsive pool of inositol lipids hydrolysed in rat pituitary tumour cells

We report that there are distinct thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-responsive and -unresponsive pools of inositol (Ins) lipids in rat pituitary tumour (GH3) cells, and present evidence that the size of the responsive pool is determined by the number of activated TRH-receptor complexes. By use of an experimental protocol in which cycling of [3H]Ins is inhibited and resynthesis occurs with unlabelled Ins only, we were able to measure specifically the effects of TRH on the hydrolysis of the Ins lipids present before stimulation. A maximally effective dose of TRH (1 microM) caused a time-dependent decrease in 3H-labelled Ins lipids that attained a steady-state value of 42 +/- 1% of the initial level between 1.5 and 2 h. After 2 h, even though there was no further decrease in 3H-labelled Ins lipids, and no increase in [3H]Ins or [3H]Ins phosphates, turnover of Ins lipids, as assessed as incorporation of [32P]Pi into PtdIns, continued at a rate similar to that in cells incubated without LiCl or unlabelled Ins. These data indicate that Ins lipid turnover was not desensitized during prolonged TRH stimulation. Depletion of lipid 3H radioactivity by TRH occurred at higher TRH doses on addition of the competitive antagonist chlordiazepoxide. Addition of 1 microM-TRH after 3 h of stimulation by a sub-maximal (0.3 nM) TRH dose caused a further decrease in 3H radioactivity to the minimum level (40% of initial value). We propose that the TRH-responsive pool of Ins lipids in GH3 cells is composed of the complement of Ins lipids that are within functional proximity of activated TRH-receptor complexes.

Arachidonate Metabolism in the Anterior Pituitary: Effect of Arachidonate Inhibitors on Basal and Stimulated Secretion of Prolactin, Growth Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone. II. Hormone Release from Dispersed Pituitary Cells

Abstract In the accompanying study, we reported the effects of inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism on the regulation of prolactin, growth hormone (GH) and luteinizing hormone secretion by male hemipituitaries. The present work extends these investigations to primary cell cultures of the same origin. Arachidonic acid metabolism was inhibited by either 5, 8, 11, 14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA), a blocker of cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase-catalysed pathways, or the cyclooxygenase inhibitors, indomethacin and aspirin. ETYA inhibited basal GH secretion by 60%, an effect which was reversed by micromolar concentrations of exogenous arachidonic acid. ETYA was much less effective on growth hormone-releasing factor-induced GH release, a result which contrasts with data obtained on intact glands. Growth hormone-releasing factor stimulation of adenylate cyclase was not affected by ETYA. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors decreased basal secretion to a more limited extent (-30%) and were ineffective on growth hormone-releasing factor-stimulated release. Basal prolactin secretion was reduced by 30% in the presence of ETYA and unaffected by cyclooxygenase inhibitors. As with GH, the effect was reversed by exogenous arachidonic acid. However, in contrast to growth hormone-releasing factor-stimulated GH secretion, thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation of prolactin release was able to overcome the inhibition by ETYA in a dose-dependent manner. Again, the insensitivity of thyrotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated prolactin release to ETYA contrasts with the data obtained in intact tissue. Moreover, ETYA inhibited (-60%) prostaglandin E(2) production; thyrotropin-releasing hormone was unable to increase the prostaglandin levels in control or ETYA-treated cells. This confirms the data obtained with cyclooxygenase inhibitors, suggesting that prostaglandins are not involved in prolactin secretion. Intracellular accumulation of Ca(2+) by the ionophore A23187 and protein kinase C stimulation by the phorbol ester 12-O- tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA), strongly stimulated GH and prolactin release. Under these conditions, ETYA was no longer able to inhibit secretion of the hormones. As with intact glands, basal and gonadotropin-releasing hormone or TPA-induced luteinizing hormone secretion were unaffected by any of the inhibitors used. It is concluded that blockade of the arachidonic acid cascade interferes with a secretory pathway involved mainly with basal release of prolactin and GH, but not luteinizing hormone. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone, a secretagogue known to trigger phospholipase C and, hence, to stimulate Ca(2+) mobilization and protein kinase C, overcame ETYA inhibition of prolactin secretion. Growth hormone-releasing factor, a secretagogue recognized by adenylate cyclase coupled receptors, did not overcome ETYA inhibition of GH secretion. However, both secretagogues strongly stimulated hormone release from their target cells in the presence of ETYA. The arachidonic acid cascade thus seems less important in neuromediator-induced secretion coupling processes in dispersed pituitary cells, than in the intact gland. These observations suggest that eicosanoids are more likely to mediate paracrine or autocrine modulations of secretory mechanisms, rather than to function as intracellular messengers.

Receptor-effector coupling by G proteins

The primary structure of G proteins as deduced from purified proteins and cloned subunits is presented. When known, their functions are discussed, as are recent data on direct regulation of ionic channels by G proteins. Experiments on expression of alpha subunits, either in bacteria or by in vitro translation of mRNA synthesized from cDNA are presented as tools for definitive assignment of function to a given G protein. The dynamics of G protein-mediated signal transduction are discussed. Key points include the existence of two superimposed regulatory cycles in which upon activation by GTP, G proteins dissociate into alpha and beta gamma and their dissociated alpha subunits hydrolyze GTP. The action of receptors to catalyze rather than regulate by allostery the activation of G proteins by GTP is emphasized, as is the role of subunit dissociation, without which receptors could not act as catalysts. To facilitate the reading of this review, we have presented the various subtopics of this rapidly expanding field in sections 1-1X, each of which is organized as a self-contained sub-chapter that can be read independently of the others.

TRH raises cytosolic Ca2+ in human adenomatous lactotrophs

The effect of TRH on cytosolic free calcium concentrations, [Ca2+]i, was evaluated on cell suspensions obtained from 6 human PRL secreting pituitary adenomas. In these cells resting [Ca2+]i levels were variable (mean +/- SE; 103.8 +/- 6.5, n = 25); the addition of 100 nM TRH caused a marked [Ca2+]i rise within 20 sec., the peak values ranging from 200 to 437 nM (285 +/- 10.8 nM, n = 10). The transients induced by TRH were composed by a rapid increase, due to mobilization of calcium from intracellular stores, followed within a few seconds by a lower plateau which was due to stimulated influx from the extracellular space. In fact, when EGTA and verapamil were applied after TRH they caused the Ca2+ plateau to dissipate rapidly. The addition of 1 microM dopamine (DA) caused a substantial decrease of resting [Ca2+]i (about 10-30%) as well as an inhibition of the plateau phase induced by TRH. The effect of DA completely depended on extracellular Ca2+. The TRH-induced transients observed in adenomatous cells were quite similar in size and time course to those recorded in normal rat lactotrophs. As previously observed in rat lactotrophs, in adenomatous cells treatment with pertussis toxin (PTx, 1 microgram/ml for 4 h) was unable to affect the [Ca2+]i transients induced by TRH while completely abolished the effect of DA. The effects of TRH on in vivo and in vitro PRL secretion were also evaluated. Before surgery, no patient showed a positive response to the iv administration of 200 micrograms TRH (serum PRL levels: 95 +/- 62 ng/ml in basal conditions vs 124 +/- 92 after TRH, P = NS).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inositol monophosphate esterase inhibition by lithium in normal human studies using neuroendocrine tests. Part II. HGH, PRL and TSH responses to clonidine

1. Recent preclinical researches gave evidence that the actions of many neurotransmitters and drugs are mediated through the activation of the turnover of phosphatidylinositol 4,5 biphosphate (PIP2). Lithium (Li) a specific inhibitor of the enzyme inositol monophosphate esterase reduces the turn over of PIP2 and decreases the cell responses mediated via the cleavage of PIP2. 2. The authors studied the influence of a therapeutic single dose of Li on the response of human growth hormone (HGH) prolactin (PRL) and thyrotropin (TSH) to clonidine (C), an alpha adrenergic agonist which stimulates the turn over of PIP2. 3. Li reduces the HGH response to C in 3, increases in 1 and provokes no change in 2 subjects. The basal secretion of PRL and TSH were not modified. 4. These findings could support the hypothesis that some of the action of Li in humans is mediated through the inhibition of the enzyme inositol monophosphate esterase. Further studies are needed in order to determine the importance of this action.

Roles of G proteins in coupling of receptors to ionic channels and other effector systems

Guanine nucleotide binding (G) proteins are heterotrimers that couple a wide range of receptors to ionic channels. The coupling may be indirect, via cytoplasmic agents, or direct, as has been shown for two K+ channels and two Ca2+ channels. One example of direct G protein gating is the atrial muscarinic K+ channel K+[ACh], an inwardly rectifying K+ channel with a slope conductance of 40 pS in symmetrical isotonic K+ solutions and a mean open lifetime of 1.4 ms at potentials between -40 and -100 mV. Another is the clonal GH3 muscarinic or somatostatin K+ channel, also inwardly rectifying but with a slope conductance of 55 pS. A G protein, Gk, purified from human red blood cells (hRBC) activates K+ [ACh] channels at subpicomolar concentrations; its alpha subunit is equipotent. Except for being irreversible, their effects on gating precisely mimic physiological gating produced by muscarinic agonists. The alpha k effects are general and are similar in atria from adult guinea pig, neonatal rat, and chick embryo. The hydrophilic beta gamma from transducin has no effect while hydrophobic beta gamma from brain, hRBCs, or retina has effects at nanomolar concentrations which in our hands cannot be dissociated from detergent effects. An anti-alpha k monoclonal antibody blocks muscarinic activation, supporting the concept that the physiological mediator is the alpha subunit not the beta gamma dimer. The techniques of molecular biology are now being used to specify G protein gating. A "bacterial" alpha i-3 expressed in Escherichia coli using a pT7 expression system mimics the gating produced by hRBC alpha k.

Inositol monophosphate esterase inhibition by lithium in normal human studies using neuroendocrine tests. Part I. PRL and TSH responses to TRH

1. Many neuroendocrine events are mediated by intracellularly second messengers, among which are the breakdown of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate (PIP2). 2. Lithium (Li) was shown in therapeutic doses to be a specific inhibitor of the enzyme inositol monophosphate esterase Li reduces the turnover of PIP2 and diminishes the cell responses. 3. In order to investigate this new mode of action of Li the authors studied the influence of acute dose of Li on the response of prolactin (PRL) and thyrotropin (TSH) to thyrotropin stimulating hormone (TRH), a stimulation mainly mediated through the activation of the turnover of PIP2. 4. In seven normal subjects a single dose of 19.80 meq of Li reduced the response of PRL in 4, and augmented it in 3 subjects: Li decreased the TSH response in 4 subjects, it was increased in 1 and remained unchanged in 2. 5. These results are discussed in the light of the different interactions between hormone secretion, and the fact that adenopituitary is located out of the brain blood barrier.

Calcium uptake-dependent and -independent mechanisms of inositol trisphosphate formation in adrenal chromaffin cells: comparative studies with high K+, carbamylcholine and angiotensin II

When [3H]inositol prelabelled cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells were stimulated with 56 mM KCl (high K+), 300 microM carbamylcholine (CCh) or 10 microM angiotensin II (Ang II), a rapid accumulation of [3H]IP3 was observed. At the same time, high K+ or CCh induced rapid increases in 45Ca2+ uptake, but Ang II did not induce a significant 45Ca2+ uptake. The concentration-response curve for KCl-induced [3H]IP3 accumulation coincided well with that for KCl-induced 45Ca2+ uptake into the cells. Nifedipine, a Ca2+ channel antagonist, inhibited the high K(+)-induced [3H]IP3 accumulation and 45Ca2+ uptake with a similar potency. Nifedipine at a similar concentration range also inhibited CCh-induced 45Ca2+ uptake. Although nifedipine inhibited CCh-induced [3H]IP3 accumulation, the potency was approximately 300-fold less than that for the inhibition of 45Ca2+ uptake. Nifedipine failed to affect the Ang II-induced [3H]IP3 accumulation. BAY K 8644 (2 microM), a Ca2+ channel activator, plus partially depolarizing concentration of KCl (14 mM), induced 45Ca2+ uptake and [3H]IP3 accumulation. Ionomycin (1 microM and 10 microM), a Ca2+ ionophore, also induced 45Ca2+ uptake and [3H]IP3 accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment of the cells with protein kinase C activator, 100 nM 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate, for 10 min, partially inhibited CCh and Ang II-induced [3H]IP3 accumulation, but failed to inhibit the high K(+)-induced accumulation. Furthermore, the effects of high K+ and Ang II on the IP3 accumulation was additive. Ang II and CCh induced a rapid and transient increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (1,4,5-IP3) accumulation (5 s) followed by a slower accumulation of inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate (1,3,4-IP3). High K+ evoked an increase in 1,3,4-IP3 accumulation but obvious accumulation of 1,4,5-IP3 could not be detected. In Ca2(+)-depleted medium, high K(+)-induced [3H]IP3 accumulation was completely abolished, whereas [3H]IP3 accumulation induced by CCh and Ang II was partially inhibited. These results demonstrate the existence of the Ca2+ uptake-triggered mechanism of IP3 accumulation represented by high K+, and also the Ca2+ uptake-independent mechanism of IP3 accumulation represented by Ang II in cultured bovine adrenal chromaffin cells. Mechanism of CCh-induced IP3 accumulation has an intermediate property between those of high K+ and Ang II.

The effects of thyrotropin-releasing hormone and potassium depolarization on phosphoinositide metabolism and cytoplasmic calcium in bovine pituitary cells

Addition of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) (10 nM to 10 microM) to bovine anterior pituitary cells labelled with [3H]inositol decreased the radioactivity in inositol-containing lipids and increased it in inositol phosphates. TRH also increased the cytoplasmic calcium concentration biphasically. At TRH concentrations below 10 nM, the increase was sustained and sensitive to inhibitors of calcium influx through voltage-gated channels, whereas concentrations over 10 nM elicited in addition a rapid transient increase in calcium, which was relatively insensitive to such inhibition. Incubation of the cells in medium containing 25 mM KCl increased the cytoplasmic calcium concentration by stimulating influx through voltage-gated channels, and markedly enhanced the initial transient increase of calcium seen at TRH concentrations above 10 nM. It did not affect the generation of InsP3 and it also enhanced the calcium response to ionomycin. It is suggested that stimulation of calcium entry through voltage-gated channels can increase the amount of calcium available for mobilisation by TRH.

Voltage-gated and agonist-mediated rises in intracellular Ca2+ in rat clonal pituitary cells (GH3) held under voltage clamp

1. Intracellular free calcium (Ca2+i) was estimated in single GH3 cells by dual wavelength emission spectrofluorimetry using the Ca2+ indicator dye Indo-1, while cells were held under voltage clamp using patch clamp techniques. 2. Depolarization of cells evoked a transient rise in Ca2+i that increased with increasing duration of depolarization to a peak at about 10 s. 3. Calcium transients showed a bell-shaped dependence on the amplitude of the depolarizing pulse. They were abolished in the absence of extracellular calcium and by application of 10 microM-nifedipine. 4. Thyrotrophin-releasing hormone (TRH) evoked a transient rise in Ca2+i that was followed by a more sustained period of elevated Ca2+i in some cells. The transient phase of the response but not the sustained phase was seen in the absence of extracellular calcium. 5. Ca2+i transients evoked by depolarization were not affected by pre-release of internal Ca2+ stores with TRH. 6. The results demonstrate that voltage-gated Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ store release can each elevate cytoplasmic free calcium in GH3 cells and may both be important for stimulus-secretion coupling. Non-voltage-gated Ca2+ entry is not a major source of Ca2+ under these conditions.

Protein kinase C stimulates adenylate cyclase activity in prolactin-secreting rat adenoma (GH4C1) pituicytes by inactivating the inhibitory GTP-binding protein Gi

The phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) and thyroliberin exerted additive stimulatory effects on prolactin release and synthesis in rat adenoma GH4C1 pituicytes in culture. Both TPA and thyroliberin activated the adenylate cyclase in broken cell membranes. When combined, the secretagogues displayed additive effects. TPA did not alter the time course (time lag) of adenylate cyclase activation by hormones, guanosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imino]triphosphate or forskolin, nor did it affect the enzyme's apparent affinity (basal, 7.2 mM; thyroliberin-enhanced, 2.2 mM) for free Mg2+. The TPA-mediated adenylate cyclase activation was entirely dependent on exogenously added guanosine triphosphate. ED50 (dose yielding half-maximal activation) was 60 microM. Access to free Ca2+ was necessary to express TPA activation of the enzyme, however, the presence of calmodulin was not mandatory. TPA-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was abolished by the biologically inactive phorbol ester, 4 alpha-phorbol didecanoate, by the protein kinase C inhibitor polymyxin B and by pertussis toxin, while thyroliberin-sensitive adenylate cyclase remained unaffected. Experimental conditions known to translocate protein kinase C to the plasma membrane and without inducing adenylate cyclase desensitization, increased both basal and thyroliberin-stimulated enzyme activities, while absolute TPA-enhanced adenylate cyclase was maintained. Association of extracted GTP-binding inhibitory protein, Gi, from S49 cyc- murine lymphoma cells with GH4C1 cell membranes yielded a reduction of basal and hormone-stimulated adenylate cyclase activities, while net inhibition of the cyclase of somatostatin was dramatically enhanced. However, TPA restored completely basal and hormone-elicited adenylate cyclase activities in the Gi-enriched membranes. Finally, TPA completely abolished the somatostatin-induced inhibition of adenylate cyclase in both hybrid and non-hybrid membranes. These data suggest that, in GH4C1 cells, protein kinase C stimulation by phorbol esters completely inactivates the n alpha i subunit of the inhibitory GTP-binding protein, leaving the n beta subunit functionally intact. It can also be inferred that thyroliberin conveys its main effect on the adenylate cyclase through activation of the stimulatory GTP-binding protein, Gs.

Inhibition by chlorpromazine of lymphokine-specific mRNA expression in human thymocytes

This study was designed to determine the effect of the phenothiazine chlorpromazine (CPZ) on the activation of human thymocytes. We provide evidence that CPZ inhibits the accumulation of mRNA specific for the lymphokines, interleukin 2, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha and the proto-oncogene c-myc; by contrast, the accumulation of mRNA specific for the alpha chain of the interleukin 2 receptor and the subsequent early expression of Tac antigen on the cell surface is not inhibited by CPZ. The inhibition of the expression of lymphokine-specific mRNA results in a decrease in interferon-gamma synthesis and in inhibition of thymocyte proliferation as determined by the incorporation of [3H]thymidine. In addition, we show that activation of protein kinase C (PKC) in human thymocytes by 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) causes the phosphorylation of a protein of a molecular mass of approximately 75 kDa. The function of this protein is as yet not defined, but it is possible that it plays a role in the transduction of the signals to the nucleus which in turn elicit the expression of the genes coding for c-myc and for the lymphokines required for thymocyte activation. We also demonstrate that CPZ, like the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporin A does not inhibit the phosphorylation of the 75-kDa protein which is induced by the activation of PKC by TPA and does not affect phosphoinositide breakdown, indicating that it exerts its effect at a site distal to the activation of PKC. These observations demonstrate that CPZ has an immunoregulatory function in addition to its psychotropic activity.

Diacylglycerol generation and phosphoinositide turnover in human neutrophils: effects of particulate versus soluble stimuli

Serum-treated, or "opsonized" zymosan (OZ), a particulate material which can be phagocytized by polymorphonuclear leukocytes, activates the superoxide-generating respiratory burst in these cells. The use of dual wavelength spectroscopy in the present studies has allowed accurate continuous monitoring of superoxide generation (cytochrome c reduction) upon cellular activation by this turbid material; activation occurs after a short lag period (about 20 s) which is similar to the lag seen after activation with the chemoattractant formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP). Unlike the fMLP response which terminates after about 90 s, superoxide generation in response to OZ continues beyond 10 min, and is similar in this regard to the response seen with the protein kinase C activator phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). OZ and fMLP, but not PMA, also activate receptor-linked phospholipase C mechanisms as judged by the appearance of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) (as well as other inositol phosphates) and diacylglycerol (DAG), with the latter measured by a mass assay. The appearance of these potential mediators corresponded to the loss of phosphoinositides, in particular phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). The magnitude of DAG and inositol sugar generation as well as the breakdown of PIP2 was considerably greater using OZ than with fMLP. In addition, while fMLP resulted in a transient increase in IP3 and DAG, OZ resulted in a sustained elevation of these molecules. With both agonists, the onset and duration of generation of putative mediators corresponded to the period of generation of O2-, consistent with a role for DAG and/or IP3 in the activation of the respiratory burst.

Rapid transient elevations of cytosolic calcium triggered by thyrotropin releasing hormone in individual cells of the pituitary line GH3B6

The kinetic features of the changes in the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, following stimulation by thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) were analysed in single cells of a pituitary line (GH3B6) by dual excitation microfluorimetry [Tsien, Rink & Poenie (1985) Cell Calcium 6, 145-157], using fura 2 as intracellular Ca2+ probe. Two phases were observed: initially, [Ca2+]i is raised in a single rapid transient to a maximum averaging 8.0 microM, and in a second phase TRH causes a series of rapid [Ca2+]i oscillations with maxima around 1.0 microM, which are probably due to the enhanced firing of action potentials. TRH triggers both phases independently, i.e. it can elicit either the first or the second phase exclusively. This is also the case in those cells in which [Ca2+]i undergoes rhythmic oscillations due to the firing of spontaneous action potentials [Schlegel, Winiger, Mollard, Vacher, Wuarin, Zahnd, Wolheim & Dufy (1987) Nature (London) 329, 719-721]. The sudden onset of the first phase of TRH action on [Ca2+]i shows that Ca2+ mobilization due to enhanced production of inositol phosphate may occur as rapidly as the firing of action potentials, i.e. in the ms time range. Due to a marked response type heterogeneity and to the randomness of the rapid events, previous monitoring of [Ca2+]i in cell populations had misleadingly suggested small and maintained changes due to TRH. It is concluded that stimulatory regulation of secretion is provided by the generation of rapid [Ca2+]i transients, the frequency of which determines secretory rate. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the regulation of [Ca2+]i by hormones and neurotransmitters in pituitary and many other cell types will have to be studied at the single cell level in order to appreciate its role in cell activation.